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Home » Blogs » industry news » Butterfly Valve with Pneumatic Actuator: Working Principle, Applications, and Selection Guide

Butterfly Valve with Pneumatic Actuator: Working Principle, Applications, and Selection Guide

Publish Time: 2025-02-28     Origin: Site

Table of Contents:

1.How Does a Pneumatic Actuated Butterfly Valve Work?

2.Applications of Butterfly Valves in Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, Food and beverage, and HVAC Systems

3.Features of butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator

4.Advantages of butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator: Cost-effective, Energy efficient, Reliable operation

5.Selection criteria for butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator

6.Conclusion

7.FAQs


How Does a Pneumatic Actuated Butterfly Valve Work?


A butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator is a type of valve that uses compressed air to open and close the valve disc, which regulates the flow of fluid through the pipeline. The actuator is mounted on the valve shaft and converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion, allowing the valve disc to pivot and control the flow.

Butterfly valves are widely used in various industries for controlling the flow of fluids in pipelines. These valves are known for their simple design, lightweight construction, and cost-effectiveness. When combined with pneumatic actuators, butterfly valves offer enhanced automation and remote control capabilities, making them ideal for applications where manual operation is not feasible or desirable.



 Applications of Butterfly Valves in Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, Food and beverage, and HVAC Systems


The combination of butterfly valves and pneumatic actuators has found applications in various industries, including:

Water treatment plants

In water treatment plants, butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators are used to control the flow of water during different treatment processes. These valves provide precise flow control, ensuring optimal performance of treatment equipment and maintaining water quality standards.

Oil and gas industry

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators are commonly used in the oil and gas industry for applications such as pipeline isolation, flow regulation, and pressure control. These valves are suitable for handling corrosive and abrasive fluids, making them ideal for harsh operating conditions.

Food and beverage industry

In the food and beverage industry, butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators are used for applications such as ingredient dosing, product mixing, and packaging. These valves ensure hygienic operation and prevent contamination of the product.

HVAC systems

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators are widely used in HVAC systems for controlling airflow in ductwork and regulating temperature and humidity levels. These valves provide efficient and reliable operation, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

Industry  

Typical Materials

Pressure Rating (PN/Class)

Special Requirements

Application Examples

Oil & Gas

Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel

Class150-2500

Corrosion resistance, high pressure,
high temperature

Reactors, storage tanks, piping systems

Chemical

Stainless Steel, Hastelloy, Titanium

PN10-PN400

Corrosion resistance, high temperature, wear resistance

Reactors, storage tanks, piping systems

Power

Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Chromium-Molybdenum Steel

PN10-PN250

High temperature, high pressure,
creep resistance

Boiler feedwater, steam systems

Water Treatment

Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel

PN 6 - PN 25

Corrosion resistance, wear resistance,
low maintenance

Water supply networks, wastewater treatment

Food & Beverage

Stainless Steel, Food-Grade Plastics

PN 6 - PN 16

Hygienic standards, easy to clean, contamination-free

Production lines, storage tanks, piping systems

Pharmaceutical

Stainless Steel, 316L, PTFE-Lined

PN 6 - PN 16

Sterile,
corrosion resistance, easy to clean

Reactors, piping,
storage tanks

Shipbuilding

Bronze, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel

PN 10 - PN 40

Seawater corrosion resistance,
high pressure

Seawater systems, firefighting systems

Construction

Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Brass

PN 6 - PN 16

Corrosion resistance, low noise,
easy installation

HVAC, plumbing systems

Features of butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators offer several features that make them suitable for a wide range of applications:

Corrosion resistance

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators can be constructed from materials such as stainless steel, plastic, or coated with protective layers to resist corrosion. This makes them suitable for handling corrosive fluids in industries such as chemical processing and wastewater treatment.

Compact design

Butterfly valves have a compact design, which makes them ideal for applications where space is limited. The pneumatic actuator is mounted directly on the valve shaft, eliminating the need for additional mounting brackets or supports.

High flow capacity

Butterfly valves have a high flow capacity, allowing them to handle large volumes of fluid with minimal pressure drop. This makes them suitable for applications such as pumping stations, where efficient flow control is critical.

Easy maintenance

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators require minimal maintenance, making them cost-effective and reliable. Regular inspection and lubrication of the actuator components are usually sufficient to ensure optimal performance.


Advantages of butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator: Cost-effective, Energy efficient, Reliable operation

The use of butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators offers several advantages over other types of valves and actuators:

Cost-effective

Butterfly valves are generally more cost-effective than other types of valves, such as ball or gate valves. When combined with pneumatic actuators, they provide an economical solution for applications requiring automated flow control.

Energy efficient

Pneumatic actuators are known for their energy efficiency, as they require minimal power to operate. This makes butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators a cost-effective solution for applications requiring continuous operation.

Reliable operation

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators offer reliable operation in harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, high pressures, and corrosive atmospheres. The simple design and robust construction of these valves ensure long service life and minimal downtime.


Selection criteria for butterfly valve with pneumatic actuator

When selecting a butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator for a specific application, several factors should be considered:

Fluid characteristics

It is important to consider the type of fluid being handled, including its temperature, pressure, viscosity, and corrosiveness. This information will help determine the appropriate valve material, actuator type, and sealing options.

Flow requirements

The flow requirements of the application, such as flow rate, pressure drop, and flow pattern, should be taken into account when selecting a butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator. This information will help determine the valve size, disc design, and actuator torque requirements.

Installation constraints

Space limitations and installation requirements should be considered when selecting a butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator. The compact design of these valves makes them suitable for applications with limited space, but additional mounting hardware may be required in some cases.

Control system compatibility

The selected butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator should be compatible with the control system being used in the application. This includes ensuring proper communication between the actuator and the control system, as well as compatibility with other components, such as sensors and feedback devices.


Conclusion

Butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for automated flow control in various industries. Their compact design, high flow capacity, and ease of maintenance make them suitable for a wide range of applicatons. When selecting a butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator, it is important to consider factors such as fluid characteristics, flow requirements, installation constraints, and control system compatibility to ensure optimal performance and reliability.


FAQs

Q1: What is the working principle of a butterfly valve with a pneumatic actuator?

A: The pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to rotate the valve disc, controlling fluid flow.  

Q2: What industries use butterfly valves with pneumatic actuators?

A: They are widely used in water treatment, oil & gas, food & beverage, and HVAC systems.


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